Mixed Methods Studies Examining the Physical Activity Practices Among African American and Black Women: Protocol for a Methodological Scoping Review.

Authors

Annette Moore Hubbell, Laura Killingsworth, Michele Shropshire

Published in

JMIR research protocols. Volume 15. Pages e93012. Jul 17, 2026. Epub Jul 17, 2026.

Abstract

African American and Black women are among the least physically active demographic groups in the United States and experience disproportionate burdens of chronic disease that may be reduced through regular physical activity (PA). Mixed methods research is increasingly used to examine the behavioral, social, and contextual factors that influence PA in this population.
This study aims to identify, examine, and describe the mixed methods designs used in research on PA practices among African American and Black women in the United States; compare methodological approaches; identify gaps in the literature; and provide recommendations for future research.
This scoping review will follow Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. A 3-step search strategy was developed and peer reviewed using the Peer Review of Electronic Search Strategies guideline. Seven databases will be searched: Academic Search Ultimate, Agricultural and Environmental Science Database, APA PsycINFO, CINAHL Ultimate, PubMed, SocINDEX, and SPORTDiscus. Eligible studies will be primary mixed methods investigations involving non-Hispanic African American or Black women aged ≥18 years residing in the United States. Studies must include both quantitative and qualitative components with evidence of integration. Records will be deduplicated and screened in Rayyan according to population, concept, and context eligibility criteria. Data will be summarized using descriptive statistics, tables, and an evidence map. The review will be limited to English-language studies published from February 1, 2011, through February 18, 2026.
The protocol was registered with the Open Science Framework. The search strategy was piloted, refined, and finalized on February 18, 2026. Database searching has been completed, records have been imported and deduplicated, and screening is currently ongoing. Data extraction and synthesis have not yet commenced. Completion of study selection, data charting, and synthesis is anticipated by August 2026, with submission of the completed scoping review planned thereafter.
This review will provide a methodological map of mixed methods studies examining PA among African American and Black women, including design types, integration strategies, timing, prioritization, use of joint displays, and reporting practices. Findings will inform future mixed methods research and support the development of more rigorous and transparent investigations in this field.
Open Science Framework 10.17605/OSF.IO/NA9ME; https://osf.io/na9me/overview.
PRR1-10.2196/93012.

PMID:
42470183
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 18 Jul 2026.

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